Apparatus for advancing strand

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for advancing one or more strands including a rotatable wheel for pulling strand having a periphery for strand engagement, primary means for strand removal from the periphery during rotation of the wheel and secondary means for strand removal spaced from the primary means in a position to effect strand removal upon failure of the primary means to effect complete strand removal.

D United States Patent m1 3,746,23Q Gelin 1 July 17, 1973 [54] APPARATUSFOR ADVANCING STRAND 3,516,809 6/1970 Underwood et al. 65/2 X [75] Inento Robert J- Gelin, Newark Ohio 3,285,721 11/1966 Ewing H 65/2 1 1Asslgneel owenscflrning Fiberg|a5 Primary ExaminerRichard A. SchacherCorporauons Toledo, Ohlo Assistant ExaminerGene A. Church 22 Filed: Dec.27 1971 Attorney-Ronald C. Hudgens [21] Appl. No.: 212,417

7 [57] ABSTRACT 52 U.S. Cl 226/168, 19/155, 226/5, Apparatus foradvancing one or more strands including 65/2 65/9 a rotatable wheel forpulling strand having a periphery 51 Int. Cl B65h 17 24 for Strandengagement, Primary means for Strand [58] Field 6: Search 226/5, 168,80; moval from the Periphery during rotation of the wheel a 65/1, 2 9,19/155 and secondary means for strand removal spaced from the primarymeans in a position to effect strand re- [56] References Cited movalupon failure of the primary means to effect com- UNITED STATES PATENTSplete strand removaL 1,595,478 8/1926 Minton 226/5 UX 21 Claims, 4Drawing Figures Patented July 17, 1973 8 Sheets-Shoot l Patented July17, 1973 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jim/awry a 7 Big-A BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONHeretofore a variety of single rotary pulling devices or wheels havebeen found successful in advancing continuous linear elements such asglass strands. The successful operation of these single rotary pullingdevices depends upon sufficient engagement between them and linearelements to provide traction for advancing the element. It has beenfound that adhesion or nonslipping engagement between thecircumferential surface of a pulling wheel and linear element isparticularly enhanced when the surfaces of both the rotary pullingdevices and the linear element are wet.

Known types of single rotary pulling devices require some means toforcibly remove the linear elements from their circumferential surfaces.Hence, there has been developed a variety of rotary devices andassociated linear element removing arrangements.

One wheel for pulling linear elements finding considerable success,particularly in processing glass strands, has an interruptedcircumferential surface. It was found that such a wheel could be usedadvantageously for feeding strand or even for attenuating continuousglass filaments. There was enough adhesion between strand and the spacedperipheral forming elements to provide sufficient traction to advancestrand to a collection region. Further, it was found that it waspossible to lift strand from the pulling wheel by moving elements intocontact with a strand riding on the peripheral elements radiallythroughthe spaces between the spaced peripheral elements of the wheel.

But the very forces providing traction, and hence giving success to thesingle rotary pulling devices, have caused considerable difficulty inthe use of the devices. Engagement between pulling wheels and linearelements is strong, particularly when the device and element arewet.Hence, the element removing devices do not always effect completeremoval of linear elements or strands from the rotary pulling wheelduring rotation. The result is collection of linear elements on therotary pulling wheel both from supply of the linear elements and fromthe collection region. Such results are disastrous.

Various ways have been tried to overcome the partial removal problemwithout success.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is improved rotaryapparatusfor advancing linear elements such as glass strands to acollection region.

Another object of the invention is improved rotary apparatus foradvancing linear elements that prevents unwanted collection of suchelements on the apparatus.

Yet another object of the invention is improved rotary apparatus usingtwo strand removal means for a common strand or strands.

These and other objects are attained by apparatus including a rotatablewheel for pulling linear elements such as glass strand having a circularperiphery for strand engagement, means for rotating the wheel, andprimary means for strand removal from the periphery during rotation ofthe wheel. The apparatus further includes secondary means for strandremoval spaced from the primary means in a position to effect strandremoval upon failure of the primary means to effect complete strandremoval from the periphery.

Other objects and advantages will become more apparent as the inventionis described in more detail with reference made to the accompanyingdrawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view in elevation of apparatusembodying the principles of the invention used for simultaneouslyattenuating continuous glass filaments from streams of molten glass andadvancing the filaments gathered in strand form to a moving collectorsurface.

FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view, mostly in ver tical section ofthe rotary apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. I

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view in front elevation, largely in section, ofthe rotary apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The rotary apparatus of theinvention is useful for advancing various types of continuous linearelements, including strands and yarn made of natural or syntheticfibers. Hence, the term strand used herein includes all bundles offilaments, with or without twist. The term also includes bundles ofcontinuous and/or discontinu- I ous filaments.

The apparatus of the invention is especially. useful in continuous glassfilament forming operations. In such operations the rotary apparatussimultaneously attenuates glass filaments from streams of molten glassand advances the continuous glass filaments in strand form to acollection region. The rotary apparatus of the invention is disclosed ina glass filament operation; however, such use is only an example toexpalin its operation.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate apparatus according to the principles of theinvention in a continuous glass filament strandmat manufacturingoperation. As shown the apparatus uses a rotary device in the form ofahollow wheel 10 to form continuous glass filaments l2 and to advancestrands 14 of these filaments to a moving conveyor collecting surface16. As illustrated the pulling wheel l0 has a rim or circumferentialsurface with circumferentially spaced openings. The strands '14accumulate on the collecting surface 16 as a continuous strand mat l8.

As illustrated, a container or feeder 20 holds a body of molten glass.The feeder 20 can receive a continuing supply of molten glass in severalways. For example, a forehearth can supply molten glass to the feeder 20from a furnace heating batch materials to molten glass. Also, a melterassociated with the feeder 20 can supply molten glass to the feeder 20by reducing glass marbles to a heat-softened condition. I

At the ends of the feeder 20 are terminals 22 that connect to a sourceof electrical energy to heat the feeder 20 by conventional resistanceheating. Heating keeps the molten glass in the feeder 20 at properfilament-forming temperatures and viscosities.

Also, the feeder 20 has a bottom wall 24 with orifice openings orpassageways for delivering streams 26 of molten glass from the feeder20. As shown, depending orificed projections or tubular members 28 formthe orifice openings in the bottom 24.

The feeder 20 is normally made of platinum or an alloy of platinum.

The molten glass streams 26 are attenuated downwardly by the wheel intothe individual continuous glass filaments 12. Gathering shoes 32 belowthe feeder combine the continuous glass filaments 12 into bundles orstrands 14. The embodiment as shown combines the filaments 12 into threestrands 14.

Normally apparatus supplies both water and a liquid sizing or binder tothe advancing filaments 12. As shwon nozzles 34 and 36 adjacent to thebottom 24 of the feeder 20 direct water spray into the continuous glassfilaments 12.

A sizing applicator 38 supported within a housing 40 just above thegathering shoes 32 applies a liquid sizing or binder to the swiftlytraveling continuous glass filaments 12. The applicator may be anysuitable type known to the art; however, as shown, the applicator 38 isan endless belt moved through liquid held in the housing 40. As thecontinuous glass filaments 20 speed in touching relationship across thesurface of the moving endless belt applicator 38, some of the liquid onthe surface transfers to them.

It is usually desirable to use a complex sizing or binder to promotecoherence of the filaments 20 when combined into the strands l4 and topromote nonslipping adherence of the strands 14 to the periphery of thewheel 10. Where the mat produced is to be combined with a plastic resin,it is also desirable to include a coupling agent in the sizing or binderthat helps the resin wet the mat.

A preferred form of binder is one retaining sufficient cohesiveproperties when cured to contribute to bonding together of the strands14 in the mat or other form in which they are collected on a conveyor orreceiving surface. Such a winder has a dual purpose of holding thefilaments together as strands and bonding the strands into integratedbody.

Since as illustrated the mat 18 is produced immediately below a glassfilament-forming station, lubricant component of sizing may be omitted.Inclusion of such lubricanting material ina sizing has been founddesirable for improving handling of strands in subsequent operationssuch as plying and twisting; however, a lubricant is not normallyotherwise needed. And, in fact, may in some cases interfere witheffective wetting of strands by a plastic resin.

The wheel 10 advances the strands l4 downwardly from the applicator 38to a multi-grooved shoe 42 and an idler wheel or cylinder 44, which isalso preferably multi-grooved. The gathering shoe 42 arranges theindividual strands 14 for advancement to the circumferential surface(periphery) of the pulling wheel 10; the idler wheel 44 keeps thestrands l4 separated and assists in establishing strand tension.Further, the idler wheel 44 insures continued proper strand array foradvancement to the pulling wheel 10.

The strands 14 travel upwardly from the idler wheel 44 and engage themoving circumferential surface of the pulling wheel 10.

A motor 48, through a belt 50, drives the wheel 10 at high angularspeeds in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) shown in FIGS. 1and 2.

The material of the wheel 10 and liquid on the strands 14 should wet thesurfaces. It should be noted that liquid may be applied directly to thepulling wheel 10. For example, apparatus can mist or spray liquid ontothe periphery of the wheel 10.

Apparently the surface tension of liquid wetting the peripheral surfaceof the wheel 10 and the strands 14 provides sufficient tractive force toadvance the strands l4 and withdraw the filaments 12 from the moltenstreams 26. Also it is theorized that a belt effect" of strands on thecircumference of the pulling wheel 10 provides tractive or attenuatingforces.

The wheel 10 includes a primary means for strand re moval at a selectedlocation on the periphery of the wheel 10 during rotation. Theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 uses a primary means in the form of adriven rotatable spoke or spider wheel 54 within the rotary wheel 10.The spoke wheel 54 includes circumferentially spaced members or fingers56 movable through the openings or spaces in the circumferential surfaceof the pulling wheel 10 at the selected location. The members 56progressively contact the strands 14 to disengage them from thecircumferential surface of the wheel 10 during its rotation. The strands14 are projected downwardly by the pulling wheel 10 to the collectingsurface 16 along paths proceeding tangentially from the point of stranddischarge from the circumference of the pulling wheel 10. The collectingsurface 16 is shown with a width W" in FIG. I.

The wheel 10 further includes a secondary means for strand removalspaced from the primary means in a position to effect strand removalupon failure of the priary means to effect complete strand removal. Thesecondary means shown in FIG. 1 removes strand at a location on theperiphery of the wheel beyond the strand removal location of the primarymeans. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 uses a secondary meanswithin the pulling wheel 10 in the form of a driven rotatable spoke orspider wheel 58 to effect strand removal from the periphery of the wheel10 upon failure of the primary means to effect complete strand removal.The spoke wheel 58 includes circumferentially spaced members or fingers60 movable through the openings or spaces .in he circumferential surfaceof the pulling wheel 10. The members 60 progressively contact thestrands to disengage them from the wheel 10 during rotation.

A strand deflection member 62 is immediately adjacent the periphery ofthe wheel 10 and cooperates with the secondary rotary means to preventstrands or a portion thereof from returning to the peripheral surface ofthe wheel 10 after removal by the secondary rotary means.

Apparatus oscillates the spoke wheels 54 and 58 (and deflection member62) to effect a sweeping of the strands l4 backand forth across thewidth W" of the moving conveyor collecting surface 16 as indicated bythe dashed strand lines in FIG. I. As shown the mat 18 is narrower thanthe width W" of the conveyor surface 16.

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 3 and 4, the pulling wheel 10 asillustrated includes a driven rotatable assembly on which the strands l4ride and an oscillatable strand removal assembly 72 for effectingremoval of the strands 14 from the rotary assembly 70. A stationarysupport 74 holds both assemblies.

The support 74 comprises a horizontal stationary support tube 75 held byspaced apart vertical holding members 76 and 77.

The rotary assembly 70 includes a bowl-shaped member 78 mounted on adrive shaft 80.

The shaft 80 includes three co-axial portions: a central portion 82 andend spindles 84 and 86. The central portion 82 is larger in crosssection than the end spindles. The spindle 84 holds the bowl-shapedmember 78; the spindle 84 holds a pulley 88 upon which drive belt 50rides. The shaft 80 is rotatably held at its central portion 82 in thestationary support tube 75.

The bowl-shaped member 78 is illustrated as a one piece member andcomprises a cylindrical rim 90 and an end 92. Hence, the member 78 isessentially a tubular member closed at one end. In practice thebowlshaped member 78 is normally made of aluminum alloy. To reduce wear,the rim 90 can be given a hard surface such as an electrolytic depositof aluminum oxide or a coating of nickel. The end 92 is shown with acentral opening 94.

The rim 90 forms an interrupted periphery or cylindrical surfacecomprising a plurality of longitudinal openings or slots 96circumferentially spaced apart around the rim 90 and separated by rimportions 98. The slots 96 extend substantially the width of the rim 90.Thus, in a sense, the rim portions 98 are periphery or circumferentialrim forming extensions or elements that form an interrupted cylindricalsurface for strand contact and adhesion. In practice, the openings 96(extensions 98) are normally uniformly spaced apart about the rim 90.

In a preferred embodiment the bowl-shaped member is 3 feet incircumference; the slots 96 are threesixteenths of an inch wide and arespaced apart fivesixteenths of an inch about the rim 90. The number ofstrands l4 determine the length of the slots 96. In such a preferredarrangement the strands wrap from 230 to 300 around the periphery of thewheel 10.

The rotary assembly as shown further includes a ring 100 mounted on theopen end of the bowl-shaped member 78. The ring 100 closes the open endof the slots 96 and stabilizes the roundness of the wheel 10.

The bowl-shaped member 78 is fixed on the spindle 84 (shaft 80) by a hub102 having a flanged end 104 and a tubular shank 106. The spindle 84,which has a threaded end 108, snuggly fits into the tubular shank 106. Abarrel nut 110 at the threaded end 108 of the spindle 84 holds the hub102 against spindle'shoulders on the spindle 84 to fix the hub on thespindle 84. Screws 112 join the flanged end 104 and the end 92 of thebowl-shaped member 78 to secure the member 78 on the shaft 80. A cap 114covers the opening 94.

When the motor 48 rotates the shaft 80 through the belt 50, thebowl-shaped member 78 is driven in high speed rotation.

The strand removal assembly 72 includes an end plate 120, a tubeconnector 122, the primary spoke wheel 54, the secondary spoke wheel 58and the strand deflector member 62.

As illustrated the tube connector 122 is horizontally mounted on theoutside of the stationary support tube 75 for movement about the axis ofthe shaft 80.

The end place 120 is circular and isjoined to the connector tube 122 atone end and covers the open end of the bowl-shaped member 78. The endplate 120 and the end 92 of the member 78 are disposed parallel. Thediameter of the end plate 120 is slightly smaller than the insidediameter of the bowl-shaped member 78 to permit free rotation of themember 78. Thus, the end plate and bowl-shaped member form a hollowrotary pulling wheel assembly.

The spoke wheels 54 and 58 are rotatably mounted onthe end plate 120 infixed spaced relation within the hollow rotary pulling assembly. Theprimary spoke wheel 54 is rotatable on a shaft 126; the secondary spokewheel 58 is rotatable on a shaft 128. The shafts 126 and 128 extendnormally away from the end plate 120 towards the end 92 of the member78. Hence, these shafts extend in a direction parallel to the shaft 80.

The primary spoke wheel 54 includes a cylindrical central body 130 andthe radially extending members or fingers 56. In a preferred embodimentthere are twenty-seven fingers 56, each radially projecting slightlymore than thirteen-sixteenths of an inch beyond the periphery of thecentral body 130. And the location of the spoke wheel 54 permits aboutoneeighth of an inch of the outer end of the fingers 56 to extendthrough the rim slots 96 at their point of greatest projection.

The secondary spoke wheel 58 includes a cylindrical central body 132 andthe radially extending fingers 60. As illustrated the fingers 60 of thespoke wheel 58 extend through the slots 96 a greater distance beyond therim 90 at their greatest projection than the fingers 56 extend. Andthese fingers extend through the slots 94 along a greater length alongthe circumference of the rim 90.

In a preferred embodiment of the secondary spoke wheel 58 there aretwenty-five fingers, each projecting slightly more than one-fourth of aninch beyond the periphery of the central body 132. And the location ofthe spoke wheel 58 permits the outer end of the fingers 60 to extendthrough the rim slots 96 twice as far at the point of greatestprojection than the fingers 56 of the spoke wheel 54. The fingers 60extend through the slots 96 for about twice the circumferential lengthof the rim 90 as the fingers 56. The shaft 128 for wheel 58 is showncloser to the rim 90 than the shaft 126 for the wheel 54.

A timing drive connecting the rotary assembly 70 and the spoke wheels 54and 58 drives the bowl-shaped member and spoke wheels together. Hence,the fingers 56 and 60 move smoothly in and out of the slots 96 duringrotation of the member 78.

As shown the timing drive includes toothed pulleys 140, 142 and 144 onthe hub 102, spoke wheel 54 and spoke wheel 58 respectively. The drivefurther includes a toothed timing belt 146 that runs over all threepulleys. As the motor 48 rotates the shaft 80, the pulley and thebowl-shaped member 78 rotate. And through the timing belt 146 the otherpulleys are rotated to drive the spoke wheels 54 and 58.

The fingers 60 of the secondary spoke wheel 58 are for strand removalfrom the rim 90 upon failure of the primary spoke wheel 54 to effectcomplete strand removal. Hence, the secondary spoke wheel 58 iscircumferentially spaced beyond the primary spoke wheel 54 in thedirection the bowl-shaped member 78 is rotated. In the embodiment shownthe spoke wheels 54 and 58 are shown in a preferred relationship onshafts that are angularly spaced substantially 90 apart. It is furtherpreferred that the secondary spoke wheel 58 be mounted between theprimary spoke wheel 54 and the location where the strands initiallyadvance onto the rim 90.

To insure that the strands 14 or a portion thereof will not return tothe rim 90 upon removal by the fingers 60 of the secondary spoke wheel58, the apparatus uses the deflector bar 62 for preventing strands orportion of such strands to return to the rim 90. As shown the deflectormember 62 is longitudinal and extends the width of the rim 90; themember 62 is immediately adjacent the surface of the rim 90, normallyfrom about one-half to 1 inch, and at a location immediately adjacentand beyond the strand discharge region from the secondary spoke wheel58. The member 62 as illustrated is disposed to present an inclinedbarrier surface in the path of a discharging strand; an inclination offrom a radial disposition to 30 degrees from the vertical plane ispreferred. in such disposition the member 62 tends to deflect strandsdownwardly towards the collecting surface 16. The member may, however,be located to present a vertical surface in the path of a dischargingstrand.

The end plate 120 carries the deflector member 62.

The fingers 56 of the primary spoke wheel 54 tend to disturb engagementbetween the rim 90 and the strands 14 even when they do not effectstrand removal. Hence, any strands 14 or portion thereof that travel tothe secondary discharge location of the spoke wheel 58 are normally lesssecurely adhered or engaged with the rim 90. So it is possible undersome conditions to use identical primary and secondary spoke wheel, eachmounted the same distance from the rim within the wheel 10.

The pulling wheel apparatus includes means for oscillating the end plate120 (and consequently the spoke wheel 54 and 58 and deflector member 62)to distribute the strands 14 back and forth across the width W" of thecollecting surface 16. Referring to FIG. 1, the end plate 120 is drivenby apparatus including a fluid cylinder 150, triangular link 152 andlink rod 154. The link rod 154 pivotally connects at one end to arms 156on the tube connector 122 and at the other end pivotally connects to thetriangular link 152. The piston rod 158 of the cylinder 150 connects tothe triangular link i 152 through a linking rod 160. The triangular link152 is pivotally held on the end of a rod 162. v

' In normal operation the fingers 56 of the primary spoke wheel 54 movethrough the slots 96 to progressively contact the strands l4 anddischarge them from the rim '90 at a selected location. And the strands14 are projected by the motion of the pulling wheel 10 in straight linepaths extending tangentially from the point of disengagement from therim 90 to the collecting surface 16 below.

In the fingers 56 of the primary spoke wheel 54 should fail to dischargecompletely any of the strands 14, or any portions of the strands 14, orany portions of any one ofthe strands 14, the secondary spoke wheel 58pushes or pokes them further from the rotating wheel 10 and over agreater peripheral distance to disengage them. And the deflection memberprevents return of the strand or strand portion to the rim 90.

The embodiment of the rotary apparatus of the invention illustrated inthe Figures includes means for oscillating the strand removal means(spoke wheels 54 and 58); however, apparatus can operate according tothe principles of the invention without such means for oscillating.Further, it is possible to oscillate only one of the spoke wheels, e.g.,wheel 54.

Moreover, it is possible to embody rotary apparatus according to theprinciples of the invention without using a spoke wheel drive asillustrated. For example. the spoke wheels might be driven by contactbetween the periphery forming elements (such as elements 98) duringrotation of a rotary device.

Then too, one might use strand removal means located outside a rotarypulling wheel. For example, one might use external air jets as shown inU.S. Pat. No. 2,935,179 or spoke wheels outside a pulling wheelarrangement shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,010,632.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for advancing one or more strands to a collection regioncomprising:

a rotatable wheel for pulling strand having a circular periphery forstrand engagement;

means for rotating the wheel;

primary means for strand removal from the periphery during rotation ofthe wheel; and

secondary means for strand removal spaced from the primary means in aposition to effect strand removal upon failure of the primary means toeffect complete strand removal.

2. Apparatus of claim 1 in which the primary means is the same type asthe secondary means.

3. Apparatus of claim 1 further including a deflector immediatelyadjacent the periphery to prevent return of strand or any portionthereof to the periphery upon removal from the periphery by thesecondary means.

4. Apparatus of claim 1 in which at least one of the strand removalmeans is a rotary means rotating simultaneously with the rotary pullingwheel.

5. Apparatus of claim 1 in which at least one of the strand removalmeans is movable for strand removal in any of a numeer of locations ofthe periphery spaced from the other means. v a

6. Apparatus of claim 5 in which one of the strand removal means isoscillatable about the periphery of the wheel. I

7. Apparatus of claim 6 further including means for oscillating both ofthe strand removal means in unison about the periphery of the wheel.

8. Apparatus of claim 7 in which the strand removal means are in fixedspaced apart relationship.

9. Apparatus of claim 8 in which the strand removal means are spacedabout substantially 10. Apparatus of claim 9 further including means fordriving the rotary strand removal means independently of the rotarypulling wheel.

11. Apparatus for longitudinally advancing one or more strands to acollection region comprising:

a rotatable wheel for pulling strand having a circular periphery forstrand engagement;

means for rotating the wheel;

primary means for strand removal from the periphery of the wheel at afirst location on the periphery during rotation of the wheel, the firstlocation being spaced from the initial strand engagement location on theperiphery in the direction of wheel rotation; and

secondary means for strand removal on the periphery between the firstlocation and the initial strand engagement location to effect strandremoval upon failure of the primary means to effect complete strandremoval.

12. Apparatus for producing glass strand comprising:

means for supplying molten glass streams for attenuation into continuousglass filaments;

means for gathering the filaments into a strand;

a rotatable wheel for pulling the strand having a circular periphery forstrand engagement;

means for rotating the wheel;

primary means for strand removal from the wheel at a first location onthe periphery during rotation of the wheel; and

secondary means for strand removal spaced from the primary means in aposition to effect strand removal upon failure of the primary means toeffect complete strand removal.

13. Apparatus for longitudinally advancing strand comprising:

a hollow rotatable wheel for pulling strand having circumferentiallyspaced periphery forming elements forming an interrupted cylindricalperipheral surface for strand contact and adhesion;

means for rotating the wheel;

a rotary means mounted within the wheel for simultaneousmovement withthe wheel, the rotary means including circumferentially spaced membersmovable through spaces between the periphery forming elements of thewheel in a region for progressively contacting the strand to dischargeit from the wheel during rotation; and

a deflector immediately adjacent the discharge region to prevent returnof strand or any portion thereof to the peripheral upon removal from theperipheral surface by the rotary means.

14. Apparatus for longitudinally feeding one or more strands comprising:

a rotatable hollow wheel for pulling strand having circumferentiallyspaced periphery forming elements forming an interrupted cylindricalperipheral surface for strand contact and adhesion;

means for rotating the wheel;

a primary rotary strand removal means mounted within the wheel forsimultaneous movement there-' with, such primary strand removal meansincluding circumferentially spaced members movable through spacesbetween the periphery forming elements for progressively contactingstrand in a first location to discharge strand from the peripheralsurface during rotation of the wheel; and

a secondary rotary strand removal means mounted within thepulling wheelfor simultaneous movement with the wheel, the secondary strand removalmeans being positioned to effect strand removal in a second locationupon failure of the primary rotary means to effect complete strandremoval, the secondary strand removal means including circumferentiallyspaced members movable through spaces between the periphery formingelements for progressively contacting strand in the second location todischarge strand from the peripheral surface during rotation of thewheel.

15. Apparatus of claim 14 in which the circumferentially spaced membersof the secondary rotary strand removal means are movable through thespaces between the periphery forming elements along a greater length ofthe peripheral surface than the circumferentially spaced members of theprimary rotary strand removal means.

16. Apparatus for advancing strand comprising:

a rotatable hollow wheel for pulling strand having circumferentiallyspaced periphery forming elements forming an interrupted cylindricalperipheral surface for strand contact and adhesion;

a motor for rotating the wheel;

a rotatable primary spoke wheel for strand removal within the pullingwheel, the primary spoke wheel including circumferentially spacedmembers movable through spaces between the periphery forming elementsfor progressively contacting strand in a first location to dischargestrand from the peripheral surface during rotation of the wheel;

a rotatable secondary spoke wheel for strand removal within the pullingwheel in fixed spaced relation with the primary spoke wheel for strandremoval at a second location spaced beyond the first location in thedirection of wheel rotation upon failure of the primary spoke wheel toeffect complete strand removal, the secondary spoke wheel includingcircumferentially spaced members, such members being movable throughspaces between the periphery forming elements a greater distance thanthe circumferentially spaced members of the primary spoke wheel, suchmembers of the secondary spoke wheel progressively contacting strand inthe second location to discharge strand during rotation of the wheel;and

driving means within the pulling wheel operatively connected to both thespoke wheels for rotating the wheels in synchronization with the pullingwheel.

17. Apparatus of claim 16 in which the axis of rotation of the secondaryspoke wheel is closer to the circumferential surface of the hollow wheelthan the axis of rotation of the primary spoke wheel.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 in which the secondary spoke wheel hasfewer circumferentially spaced members than the primary spoke wheel.

19. Apparatus for advancing one or more strands to a collection regioncomprising:

a hollow wheel for pulling strand rotatable on a horizontal axis, thewheel having circumferentially spaced periphery forming elements formingan interrupted cylindrical rim for strand contact and adhesion;

means for rotating the wheel;

a primary rotary means for strand removal mounted within the pullingwheel for simultaneous movement therewith, the primary rotary meansincluding circumferentially spaced members movable through spacesbetween the periphery forming elements for progressively contacting thestrand in a first location to discharge strand from the rim duringrotation of the wheel;

a secondary rotary means for strand removal mounted within the pullingwheel in fixed spaced relation for simultaneous movement with the wheelthe secondary rotary means being positioned to effect strand removal ina second location upon failure of the primary rotary means to effectcomplete strand removal, the secondary rotary means includingcircumferentially spaced members movable through spaces between theperiphery forming ele- 1 l 12 thereof from returning to the rim uponremoval by 21. Apparatus of claim 19 further including means thesecondary rotary means. for oscillating the primary and secondary rotarymeans 20. Apparatus of claim 19 in which the longitudinal and thedeflector member together. deflector is oriented vertically. =k a

1. Apparatus for advancing one or more strands to a collection regioncomprising: a rotatable wheel for pulling strand having a circularperiphery for strand engagement; means for rotating the wheel; primarymeans for strand removal from the periphery during rotation of thewheel; and secondary means for strand removal spaced from the primarymeans in a position to effect strand removal upon failure of the primarymeans to effect complete strand removal.
 2. Apparatus of claim 1 inwhich the primary means is the same type as the secondary means. 3.Apparatus of claim 1 further including a deflector immediately adjacentthe periphery to prevent return of strand or any portion thereof to theperiphery upon removal from the periphery by the secondary means. 4.Apparatus of claim 1 in which at least one of the strand removal meansis a rotary means rotating simultaneously with the rotary pulling wheel.5. Apparatus of claim 1 in which at least one of the strand removalmeans is movable for strand removal in any of a numeer of locations ofthe periphery spaced from the other means.
 6. Apparatus of claim 5 inwhich one of the strand removal means is oscillatable about theperiphery of the wheel.
 7. Apparatus of claim 6 further including meansfor oscillating both of the strand removal means in unison about theperiphery of the wheel.
 8. Apparatus of claim 7 in which the strandremoval means are in fixed spaced apart relationship.
 9. Apparatus ofclaim 8 in which the strand removal means are spaced about substantially90*.
 10. Apparatus of claim 9 further including means for driving therotary strand removal means independently of the rotary pulling wheel.11. Apparatus for longitudinally advancing one or more strands to acollection region comprising: a rotatable wheel for pulling strandhaving a circular periphery for strand engagement; means for rotatingthe wheel; primary means for strand removal from the periphery of thewheel at a first location on the periphery during rotation of the wheel,the first location being spaced from the initial strand engagementlocation on the periphery in the direction of wheel rotation; andsecondary means for strand removal on the periphery between the firstlocation and the initial strand engagement location to effect strandremoval upon failure of the primary means to effect complete strandremoval.
 12. Apparatus for producing glass strand comprising: means forsupplying molten glass streams for attenuation into continuous glassfilaments; means for gathering the filaments into a strand; a rotatablewheel for pulling the strand having a circular periphery for strandengagement; means for rotating the wheel; primary means for strandremoval from the wheel at a first location on the periphery duringrotation of the wheel; and secondary means for strand removal spacedfrom the primary means in a position to effect strand removal uponfailure of the primary means to effect complete strand removal. 13.Apparatus for longitudinally advancing strand comprising: a hollowrotatable wheel for pulling strand having circumferentially spacedperiphery forming elements forming an interrupted cylindRical peripheralsurface for strand contact and adhesion; means for rotating the wheel; arotary means mounted within the wheel for simultaneous movement with thewheel, the rotary means including circumferentially spaced membersmovable through spaces between the periphery forming elements of thewheel in a region for progressively contacting the strand to dischargeit from the wheel during rotation; and a deflector immediately adjacentthe discharge region to prevent return of strand or any portion thereofto the peripheral upon removal from the peripheral surface by the rotarymeans.
 14. Apparatus for longitudinally feeding one or more strandscomprising: a rotatable hollow wheel for pulling strand havingcircumferentially spaced periphery forming elements forming aninterrupted cylindrical peripheral surface for strand contact andadhesion; means for rotating the wheel; a primary rotary strand removalmeans mounted within the wheel for simultaneous movement therewith, suchprimary strand removal means including circumferentially spaced membersmovable through spaces between the periphery forming elements forprogressively contacting strand in a first location to discharge strandfrom the peripheral surface during rotation of the wheel; and asecondary rotary strand removal means mounted within the pulling wheelfor simultaneous movement with the wheel, the secondary strand removalmeans being positioned to effect strand removal in a second locationupon failure of the primary rotary means to effect complete strandremoval, the secondary strand removal means including circumferentiallyspaced members movable through spaces between the periphery formingelements for progressively contacting strand in the second location todischarge strand from the peripheral surface during rotation of thewheel.
 15. Apparatus of claim 14 in which the circumferentially spacedmembers of the secondary rotary strand removal means are movable throughthe spaces between the periphery forming elements along a greater lengthof the peripheral surface than the circumferentially spaced members ofthe primary rotary strand removal means.
 16. Apparatus for advancingstrand comprising: a rotatable hollow wheel for pulling strand havingcircumferentially spaced periphery forming elements forming aninterrupted cylindrical peripheral surface for strand contact andadhesion; a motor for rotating the wheel; a rotatable primary spokewheel for strand removal within the pulling wheel, the primary spokewheel including circumferentially spaced members movable through spacesbetween the periphery forming elements for progressively contactingstrand in a first location to discharge strand from the peripheralsurface during rotation of the wheel; a rotatable secondary spoke wheelfor strand removal within the pulling wheel in fixed spaced relationwith the primary spoke wheel for strand removal at a second locationspaced beyond the first location in the direction of wheel rotation uponfailure of the primary spoke wheel to effect complete strand removal,the secondary spoke wheel including circumferentially spaced members,such members being movable through spaces between the periphery formingelements a greater distance than the circumferentially spaced members ofthe primary spoke wheel, such members of the secondary spoke wheelprogressively contacting strand in the second location to dischargestrand during rotation of the wheel; and driving means within thepulling wheel operatively connected to both the spoke wheels forrotating the wheels in synchronization with the pulling wheel. 17.Apparatus of claim 16 in which the axis of rotation of the secondaryspoke wheel is closer to the circumferential surface of the hollow wheelthan the axis of rotation of the primary spoke wheel.
 18. The apparatusof claim 17 in which the secondary spoke wheel has fewercircumferentially spaced members than the primary spoke wheel. 19.ApParatus for advancing one or more strands to a collection regioncomprising: a hollow wheel for pulling strand rotatable on a horizontalaxis, the wheel having circumferentially spaced periphery formingelements forming an interrupted cylindrical rim for strand contact andadhesion; means for rotating the wheel; a primary rotary means forstrand removal mounted within the pulling wheel for simultaneousmovement therewith, the primary rotary means including circumferentiallyspaced members movable through spaces between the periphery formingelements for progressively contacting the strand in a first location todischarge strand from the rim during rotation of the wheel; a secondaryrotary means for strand removal mounted within the pulling wheel infixed spaced relation for simultaneous movement with the wheel thesecondary rotary means being positioned to effect strand removal in asecond location upon failure of the primary rotary means to effectcomplete strand removal, the secondary rotary means includingcircumferentially spaced members movable through spaces between theperiphery forming elements for progressively contacting strand in thesecond location to discharge strand from the rim during rotation of thewheel; and a longitudinal deflector adjacent the rim at the secondlocation to prevent strand or any portion thereof from returning to therim upon removal by the secondary rotary means.
 20. Apparatus of claim19 in which the longitudinal deflector is oriented vertically. 21.Apparatus of claim 19 further including means for oscillating theprimary and secondary rotary means and the deflector member together.